DETROIT – Residents in a Northwest Detroit neighborhood are celebrating some major improvements to Milan Park, located on Curtis Street near West McNichols Road and the Southfield Freeway.
After an extensive overhaul, the park is ready to welcome families and community members back to enjoy its many new features.
Kyle Kirkland, a Metro Detroit homeowner, has noticed a positive shift in the neighborhood since the renovations began.
“I think it’s bringing more life back into the neighborhood. There’s been a lot more kids over here since I’ve been getting this yard together back here,” said Kirkland.
The park’s grand reopening was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday (April 3), officially allowing neighbors to enjoy the updated playscapes and renovated football-soccer field, now offering residents a safer environment.
New fitness equipment, benches, and BBQ stations have also been added, enhancing the park’s appeal.
The District 1 Community Liaison, Lynn McNeal, expressed his excitement about the improvements.
“When you look at the environment, it just breathes life. It makes you want to stay here, walk around the park, or bring your kids to engage in the activities,” McNeal said.
In addition to the recreational upgrades, the park has seen the addition of 100 young trees, including several river birches harvested from a decommissioned park at Henry Ford Health.
Rachel Meyers from Henry Ford Health reflected on the significance of these changes, stating, “I was just imagining what it would be like to have young kids living near this and taking advantage of it. It feels like it went away, so to see it come back is beautiful.”
The improvements at Milan Park were made possible through the support of organizations such as the Gilbert Family Foundation, Project Evergreen, and The Greening of Detroit, totaling more than $700,000 in enhancements.
Cindy Code from Project Evergreen hopes the new amenities will attract more visitors to the park.
“Hopefully, all of these amenities will bring people into the park and keep them here. There’s a lot to do here,” Code said.
Many neighbors have expressed that the park’s enhancements make them feel safer gathering in the area.
Kyle Kirkland added, “I think it’s good. It’s bringing a lot of life in here. It’s giving people a safe place to play.”
With these renovations, neighbors said they are optimistic that Milan Park is poised to become a central hub for community engagement and positive change in Northwest Detroit.